Best Things To Do at Westbury's Samanea Mall, a Long Island Entertainment Destination
The Samanea New York Mall is a rebrand and reboot of the Source Mall in Westbury, and its many options make for a fun outing. The mall has a diverse roster of stores and venues that offer dining, arts, and entertainment–with a bunch more on the way.
Here is the scoop on what's open, coming soon, and planned for the future. Similar to New Jersey's American Dream Mall, Samanea seeks to flip the script on the outdated shopping mall concept.
For more fun local escapes, check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.
Best Things To Do at Samanea New York Mall
1. Shopping
Sometimes a little retail therapy can go a long way. Peruse furniture stores like Bloomingdale's, Fortunoff Backyard, Leonardo Furntire, the German Kitchen Center, Kawai Piano Outlet, Leon Banilvini Rugs, and more. We realize the kiddos might not be into shopping for the long haul, so we have many other ideas to excite them–as a reward for good behavior, perhaps!
2. 99 Ranch Market
Asian grocery 99 Ranch Market opened up its first Long Island location in 2022 at Samanea Mall. Featuring foods from various Asian cultures and regions, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian, a jaunt to this grocery store is quite the cultural and culinary experience for your family.
3. The Museum of Urban Arts
Grab your camera and strike a pose. The Museum of Urban Arts curated a funky collection of street-style murals that are on display around the mall.
4. Dave & Buster's
No quarters are needed at this Dave & Buster's arcade. From joystick and driving games to VR, this bustling arcade has it all. Of course, you can also dine inside or catch the game on the big screen. Check out the weekly half-priced game deals, trivia Tuesdays, and more. Plus, you can host a birthday party or other special event here.
RELATED: Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island
Hourly court rentals are available at Pickleball Smash-It. Photo courtesy of Pickleball Smash-It.
5. Pickleball Smash-It
You're in for a smashing good time at Pickleball Smash-It, a private pickleball facility for players of all ages and skill levels. Hourly court rentals are available, as are social events and leagues for adults. Bonus: there are vending machines on-site for drinks, snacks, paddles, and balls. Open 6am-1am every day. Coming soon: Smash-It Table Tennis!
6. Smash-It Therapy
Take a whack at Smash-It Therapy. This smash room experience provides a safe and controlled environment where you can smash various objects to your heart's content in one of four rooms. Protective gear consisting of a cut-resistant suit, gloves, helmet, and goggles are provided, and you can bring your own pent-up frustration! They even sell glass beverages for consumption and–in turn–smashing! Book a single, private, or group therapy sesh. There's also a Paint Splatter room available for private bookings where folks can create art while tossing stuff around a room. Ages 10 and up are welcome to participate, but those under age 18 must have a parent/guardian present. Open Fridays 5-11pm and Saturdays noon-11pm; all other days are by appointment only.
8. Let's Craft
From adult and mommy-and-me workshops to private parties, single crafting sessions, and more, Let's Craft provides a dream maker space. Follow directions in instructor-led workshops or simply learn and foster your creativity by developing a desired craft. Monthly memberships allow individuals, budding entrepreneurs, and small business owners the space and equipment to create to their heart's content.
9. Snapology
Kids can build confidence while flexing their STEAM skills at Snapology. Offering classes in robotics, coding, animation, core STEAM skills, and more, this place has engaging programs for preschoolers through middle school. The school break, summer camps, and workshops allow kids the freedom to check out various programs as well. Plus, if you have a Bob the Builder type of kiddo on your hands, Snapology provides the perfect combination of building and technology during birthday parties. You can enjoy the party room or have the tech gurus bring the STEAM party to you.
10. X-Golf
Hit the "links" inside at X-Golf Westbury. This indoor golf simulator spot has eight bays, golf lessons, birthday parties, and even serves food and drinks. X-Golf is a unique experience that lets golfers play on the world’s top courses and compete in a wide variety of game formats.
Family-Friendly Restaurants at Samanea New York Mall
11. The Cheesecake Factory
Known for its extensive food menu and indulgent desserts, The Cheesecake Factory can please all palates. There's a SkinnyLicious menu that offers menu items at 590 calories or less and a selection of gluten-free options. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the 45 kinds of cheesecakes!
12. KPot
This hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors. There's a DIY component involving a heating element on the dining table where you can keep a pot of soup stock simmering. Diners choose from a variety of ingredients to whip up culinary concoctions.
13. Tabled
Busy families rejoice! Tabled offers healthy meal bundles for you to make and bake at home. All entrees include two sides of your choice, so none of your picky eaters should be complaining. Choose to pick up or see if you meet the delivery area criteria. What are you going to do with all the time saved from not having to shop and cook?
Attractions and Restaurants Coming Soon to Samanea New York Mall
There's already plenty of fun to be had at Samanea New York Mall, but we're also incredibly excited about its coming attractions.
14. The Gravity Vault
The Gravity Vault location at Samanea will boast double the amount of bouldering terrain of Gravity’s existing site in Melville. Samanea's 18,000 square feet include short walls that can be climbed without harnesses or ropes. The rock-climbing gym will feature more than 300 climbing routes at any one time and include wall heights that extend to 45 feet, with views out across Long Island. What will you spy from way up high? Don't worry, an instructor is connected to you via hoisting ropes to prevent falls. There's also a pro shop store for rock climbing gear and birthday party options if you want to rock your special day. This activity is ideal for active families with children ages 4 and older. Expected to open in 2024.
15. Empire Adventure Park
Empire Adventure Park will span nearly 36,000 square feet and feature trampolines, laser tag, dodgeball, ninja obstacle courses, a ropes course, climbing walls, a variety of augmented-reality games, and more. But wait, there's more, including a Hyperdeck virtual reality, Hologate virtual reality, toddler area, multi-ball pit, soft play with air cannons, an e-sports lounge, a parent's lounge (cue respite noise!), and private party rooms. The entrance will be on the second floor of the mall, as well as from the rear of the property. Expected to open in 2024.
16. Ryco’s Escape Room & Lounge
Choose from one of four challenging rooms at Ryco's. Two to 10 players can riddle their way out of varying levels of difficulty between the Titanic, Asylum, Ryco's Island, and the kid-friendly "Dreams Work" room. Quench your thirst and appetite after your lockdown from the full food and drink menu. Expected to open in the first half of 2024.
17. Ichiddo Ramen
Put down the cup o' noodles and slurp authentic ramen at Ichiddo. Authentic ramen is served with beef, chicken, and seafood charsiu ramen, donburi, fried rice, stir-fried ramen, fresh appetizers, and beverages. Plus, there are more than 15 toppings to choose from. Expected to open in mid-2024.
RELATED: Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide
An outpost of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao will open at the mall mid 2024. Photo by the author
18. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Serving up traditional soup and dumplings in bamboo baskets, this Flushing sensation is branching out to Long Island. Choose from traditional, freshly made Chinese dishes or colorful, plump dumplings. The presentation alone is an experience. Expected to open in mid-2024.
19. MoCA Asian Bistro
This large restaurant will have stylish, sophisticated decor and feature an Asian-fusion menu and sushi bar. Diners can find iconic Chinese, Korean, and Japanese dishes. It will also have space for private events and large group dining.
20. Tous Les Jours
If the French are baking it, I'm eating it, since the French penchant for sweet treats just can't be resisted. Tous Les Jours offers freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes, coffee, espresso, and other beverages. Is your mouth watering yet? Expected to open in the first half of 2025.
21. YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea
These Taiwanese tea drinks are made with organic ingredients, including Aiyu Lemon Green Tea, Brown Sugar Pearl Black Tea Latte, Grass Jelly Tea, and more. The result is usually a drink that looks like art. Expected to open in the first half of 2025.
Mall hours are 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday, but contact tenants for specific operation times. There are various entrances, free parking lots, and garages. All are well-lit and easily walkable, and the property is monitored by security.
Check out the mall's official website for more info.